After Filming A Lesbian Movie With The Straight Girl I Like - Chapter 35

Chapter 35: Eloping, huh?

After dinner, they turned off all the lights. The room was dim, and the television was playing a horror movie—dark in tone as well.

Unable to see clearly, Qin Cong’an felt like she was back home, with her girlfriend curled up in her arms, fast asleep.

Qin Cong’an turned down the volume but didn’t turn the TV off. A little background noise actually helped with sleep. She lowered her head, gently stroking Xu Ling’s hair. Her sleeping face was adorable, resting on her shoulder, with her cheeks squished together. It reminded Qin Cong’an of when she was eighteen and still had baby fat. Her skin was smooth, and she smelled just the way Qin Cong’an liked.

Without realizing it, Qin Cong’an leaned down and kissed the top of her head, then quickly stopped herself, afraid of waking her with the spontaneous gesture.

She was really looking forward to having a good talk with her later.

She didn’t know how long Xu Ling would be in Tokyo or when she’d be back. Qin Cong’an told herself she needed to calm down, but deep down, she had a feeling—even a short time apart wouldn’t help her cool off.

It was the first time she had ever felt this kind of passion—it even startled her a bit. Outside of acting, she had never expected to burn with such intense emotion.

The movie ended at some point, and Qin Cong’an only noticed when Xu Ling woke up.

Xu Ling looked well-rested, stretching with a refreshed expression, then naturally wrapped her arms around Qin Cong’an’s waist and nestled into her arms, humming with a laugh.

Qin Cong’an found herself smiling for no reason and asked, “What’s so funny?”

“Hm? Don’t know,” Xu Ling buried her face in Qin Cong’an’s shoulder hollow. Falling asleep in this embrace and waking up in it—wasn’t that something worth smiling about?

Qin Cong’an gently patted her shoulder. “Wanna sleep a bit more? We still have some time.”

“No, I’m good. I just want to stay like this a little longer.”

“Mm.” Qin Cong’an also wanted to hold her like this—quietly, saying nothing, letting their feelings and hearts do the talking. It felt especially good knowing her girlfriend had slept soundly in her arms.

Xu Ling was well-behaved today. At most, she nuzzled a little, didn’t even kiss her, just occasionally looked up at her.

“What is it?” Qin Cong’an asked, but got no answer.

Xu Ling only shook her head and smiled, burying herself into Qin Cong’an’s arms again. Her soft humming and warm breath tickled against her neck.

She’s just so cute. Qin Cong’an knew—she was completely done for.

Then it was time to head out.

“I’m going to the bathroom. You go on ahead,” Xu Ling said.

Qin Cong’an, coming out of the bathroom, left the room first. They often left separately—it was rare for them to go out together.

She got into the car downstairs and shut her eyes for a nap. She was pretty exhausted. After a full day of action scenes and staying up so late, she fell asleep quickly.

She was woken up by Gao Quan—they had arrived at the filming location.

Chang Ning had coordinated with all departments to close off part of the road late at night for filming, picking the most beautiful and distinctive stretch.

Even ten minutes before filming, Chang Ning was still debating with the screenwriter how to shoot the scene and what kind of emotion to go for. They hadn’t decided yet.

After all, it was an impromptu scene. There hadn’t been any setup about Wen Xi knowing how to ride a motorcycle.

In the end, Chang Ning said, “Whatever. Let’s just shoot it first. If it doesn’t work, we won’t include it in the final cut. We’ll treat it like a bonus side scene.”

Anyway, shooting it wouldn’t hurt—they’d find a way to release it, maybe as fanservice.

Chang Ning still regretted not trying harder to persuade Qin Cong’an when she asked to cut the herbal bath scene.

But she also knew Qin Cong’an was very uncomfortable with scenes involving that level of intimacy. The plan was for Wen Xi to wear clothes while soaking in the bath, of course, but Chang Ning had hoped to capture a hazy, ambiguous, slightly sensual vibe.

She had known from the start that this scene probably wouldn’t make the final cut, so when Qin Cong’an wanted it removed, she didn’t fight too hard. After all, the scene wasn’t essential to the storyline.

Chang Ning gritted her teeth in frustration. If only they could’ve shot it—even if they couldn’t release it, she’d be happy just to keep it for herself. What’s wrong with wanting to see Qin Cong’an in the water, with her wet hair fanned out? What’s wrong with seeing Xu Ling by her side applying ointment to her shoulder? That’s art!

She didn’t know if she was acting like a CP fan, but she loved the feeling of Qin Cong’an standing beside Xu Ling, and Xu Ling beside Qin Cong’an. Seeing them together just made her happy. She was the director—was it so wrong to indulge a tiny wish?

Before filming began, Qin Cong’an asked, “What kind of emotion are we going for?”

“Anything’s fine. You two decide. Just keep it relaxed,” Chang Ning replied. “Try a few different moods. We’ll shoot and see what works.”

“What about lines?”

“No need. It’s too last-minute, and it doesn’t connect with the scenes before or after. Plus, we didn’t prep for sound, so just pretend you’re out for a ride together.”

Qin Cong’an turned to Xu Ling, “Then let’s start with the vibe of a joyride after wrapping up a mission.”

“Okay,” Xu Ling nodded. “Then we go get late-night snacks—super hyped, super excited.”

Qin Cong’an’s expression softened. “You didn’t eat enough earlier?”

“I’m kinda hungry again,” Xu Ling rubbed her belly.

Chang Ning eyed them closely. “You two were together earlier?”

“Yeah, dinner and a movie,” Qin Cong’an said.

Chang Ning nearly lost her composure. Liang He straight-up laughed, “Date night, huh? What’s this?”

But everyone knew Liang He was just joking—she always made comments like that, and they all laughed it off. Only Chang Ning stared at the two with sharp eyes but said nothing.

The motorcycle they were assigned wasn’t flashy—just a rugged, industrial-style mass-produced model. The production team had picked this one specifically. Its black body with red lines gave off a hint of danger. The height matched the two actresses perfectly—it looked sharp on camera.

Qin Cong’an’s helmet was dark blue. Xu Ling’s was ruby red. Their outfits were simple and comfortable, but color-coordinated carefully.

Chang Ning reminded her, “Keep it around 30 to 40 km/h. Safety first. The cameraman’s vehicle will follow beside you.”

Qin Cong’an nodded, put on her helmet, and got on the bike. Xu Ling quickly followed, straddling the seat behind her and wrapping her arms around her waist.

Although it wasn’t the first time Xu Ling had held her from behind like this, and they’d had even more intimate contact before, Qin Cong’an still couldn’t help but tense up. But soon, she made a conscious effort to relax.

From behind, Xu Ling said, “This is so fun!”

Qin Cong’an glanced at her through the rearview mirror. She really was smiling brightly, even tilting her head to look up at the sky—then pouted, disappointed. Qin Cong’an smiled too—clearly, the night sky wasn’t that great tonight.

Maybe one day they could go somewhere to see stars, even the Milky Way.

Once they got the signal, Qin Cong’an started the engine. The hands around her waist tightened slightly. Her lips curled upward as she gently accelerated.

With the wind blowing, everything felt more natural. The cameraman’s vehicle stayed behind, out of sight. This didn’t feel like filming at all—it felt like a real date.

The night was deep, no stars overhead, but it was vast and magnificent. With no traffic, they could ride freely—it felt liberating.

Xu Ling didn’t let go the entire time. Her hands either stayed at Qin Cong’an’s waist or shoulders. The speed wasn’t too fast, and there were no other cars. She could’ve stretched out her arms and embraced the wind like a typical movie heroine, but instead, she clung tightly to the person in front.

Qin Cong’an noticed this, and a ripple stirred in her chest. They had their tense moments, but… this was a signal, right?

The bike came to a stop.

Chang Ning asked, “Okay, let’s try another take with a different vibe. Just ride back like that—sound good?”

“No problem,” Qin Cong’an replied. She wanted to see what Xu Ling would be like when they weren’t filming.

Xu Ling still held her waist, stayed close to her back or leaned on her shoulder—never letting go. Yet she had said before that she didn’t like being physically close to others. And they weren’t filming anymore.

Summer in Fog City was hot and sticky—the wind did little to help. Qin Cong’an’s palms were sweating inside her gloves. Everywhere their bodies touched was drenched.

Qin Cong’an tilted her head slightly and asked, “Should I go faster?”

“What?” The speed wasn’t that fast, so Xu Ling could hear, but she still leaned closer to ask again.

“I said I’m speeding up. Hold on tight.”

Qin Cong’an heard her laugh and say “Okay” right by her ear. She twisted the throttle, accelerating to a speed where only the wind could be heard.

Xu Ling seemed a little giddy in the back.

So did Qin Cong’an. She even rode past the original starting point and had to go further before they could turn back.

Would Xu Ling realize she did it on purpose? All Qin Cong’an knew was that Xu Ling was laughing loudly behind her, even louder than the wind. She wondered if they were sharing the same joy.

When they got back, Liang He immediately pointed at them and joked, “What were you two doing? Anyone would think you were eloping!”

Xu Ling was still laughing, completely out of control.

“Sorry,” Qin Cong’an apologized to the directors and crew, though her tone had a hint of amusement.

After that minor mishap, filming resumed.

They shot several more takes—happy, frustrated, even one where the two had just argued but still had to ride the same motorcycle. Xu Ling looked angry and wronged, tugging on Qin Cong’an’s clothes. Qin Cong’an looked annoyed too but kept checking the rearview mirror for her.

After filming, they used several bottles of dry shampoo. Without it, between the helmets and the muggy heat, their heads would’ve looked like cows had licked them.

Jian Yu and Wen Xi often looked disheveled, but this was just too unflattering.

Chang Ning spontaneously added another scene—having them lean against a railing by the river, eating croquettes from a 24-hour convenience store. They were told to improvise—just shoot one take and call it.

Chang Ning watched through the monitor. Behind them, the opposite side of the river had once blazed with neon. But it was past 3 a.m. now, and most of the lights had gone out. Only the outline lights remained, leaving a sense of desolation after the liveliness.

They munched on croquettes and chatted about nonsense like “It’s so good,” but their eyes sparkled when they looked at each other.

Chang Ning realized her smile was starting to get a little creepy, but she couldn’t stop it. Even the wind seemed romantic. Watching them eat made her feel blissful.

Crumbs fell all over Xu Ling’s clothes. Qin Cong’an frowned like she was annoyed but patiently brushed them off.

“Wash it yourself when we get back,” Qin Cong’an said.

“Got it. I’ll wash it with yours,” Xu Ling replied casually, clearly baiting her.

“No.”

“Okay, not underwear, fine. But what’s wrong with washing outerwear together?”

“It’s greasy.”

“That’s what washing machines are for.”

“I said no.”

“Tsk. You’re so picky,” Xu Ling turned her head. “I’ll just sneak it in with yours—you won’t know.”

As they bickered, they finished their croquettes. Xu Ling casually handed her wrapper over, and Qin Cong’an naturally took it and crumpled both together.

Since Chang Ning hadn’t called “cut,” they didn’t stop. Xu Ling briefly looked confused, then turned her head, enjoying the breeze.

Qin Cong’an looked at her, reached out, and brushed away some of her hair blown by the wind. It smelled like coconut from the dry shampoo.

She had never liked coconut scents before—but now, it felt sweet and refreshing.

Xu Ling turned back, looking at her, as if to ask what she was doing.

Qin Cong’an played it cool, turning toward the fast-flowing river, leaning on the railing with both hands. She glanced sideways at Xu Ling.

Xu Ling turned too, bumping her hip against Qin Cong’an. Seeing she might get scolded, she quickly acted all innocent and obediently leaned close against her.

Chang Ning still hadn’t called “cut,” so they kept filming their backs a little longer before finally ending the shoot. Such a shame. She really wanted them to keep filming forever.

But just like the background lights, things dim. Lights eventually go out.